The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-02
Savannah Earoor.

Savannah Earoor.
What has become of tine new project for
the improvement of savannah haroori No
body seems to know whether or not the Sec
rotary of War hns approved it. Have the
Cotton Exchange, Bou'i Of Trade, city
authorities and business men generally lost
all interest in !ti II they haven't it would
seem to be about time for them to find out
what its chances are for being put into such
a shape that Congress can act upon it dur
ing the session which begins next month.
A couple Of years ago the business men Of
this city regarded the Improvement of Savan-
nah harbor as OF 50 much importance that
they called a river and harbor convention.
i'll which were representatives of the South
Atlantic States and cities The convention
was very enthusiastic one, and promised
to accomplish great things. 1t was not with
outlntluence IN the right direction, but those
who were chosen to keep alive interest in
river and harbor improvements OF the South
Atlantic coast seem to be tired, at leaso
nothing has been heard from them for a
good long while. In the West the people
who are interested in the improvement of
rivers and the building of canals are very
active. Lately they held a convention at
Memphis, and it is safe to say that when
Congress meets the West will be on hand to
see that her public improvement projects
are not neglected. In fact, Western men
are always looking after the interests Of
their section. That is why it gets about all
it asks for. Untiring and intelligent work
is what tells in getting appropriations for
rivers and harbors.
There may be those in this city who are
looking after Savannahs harbor. If there
are they are making no noise Perhaps
little noise would be good thing. 1t would
let the Secretary of War and Congress
know that this city is not asleep, and that
there is, something il wants, and wants
greatly.
The plans and estimates for securing
2S feet of water from the cross tides
to the sea, which were authorized by
Congress of last year, were completed
months ago. Have they been placed before
the Secretary of War yet. If they have not
they should be at once. Congress only acts
upon the book of estimates submitted to it
by the Secretary of War. If that book of
estimates goes to Congress before the project
for securing % feet of water in
Savannah harbor is approved by the
Secretary of War, the probabilities are
that the project will be in no more
advanced state two years hence than it is at
present At that rate of getting Savan-
nah's harbor improved the work Of secur
ing the necessary appropriations will de-
volve upon a generation not yet upon the
stage of action
The estimates for the new project call for
$G00, 900 for the next fiscal year, and the
estimates for the unfinished work on the
Improvement to secure - feet of water call
for $4,000. II the new project doesn't get
into the book of estimates Savannah harbor
will receive about $4,000 in the next river
and harbor bill-perhaps not so much.
From this showing does it not appear as
if an extraordinary effort should be made
to get an appropriation for the new project
in the next river and harbor bill? But what
is necessary to be done, Let the Secretary
of War be urged to approve the new prof.
ect at once in order that the estimates may
be placed in the book of estimates. There
is not much dependence to be placed upon
letters to persons supposed to have inf1u
ence at Washington.
TIE Representative from this district
ought TO look after this matter personally.
and if he is so situated that he cannot go to
Washington at once, a representative of the
city should be sent. Whoever goes should
spare no effort to accomplish what is de-
sired